Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Identify These 40 Plants in 5 Minutes?

Cameron Cobb

Image: Gabriel Perez / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

For millions of years, Earth has been growing one pretty impressive garden.

Whether it be bunches of cacti baking beneath the sun, fragrant flowers blooming in colorful fields, or the thousands of acres of trees towering throughout forests, you'd be a-maize-d at all the different types of lush greenery this world has to offer. And as our vital source of oxygen, you could say plants are fairly important to sustaining life for not just humans, but, well, everything.

Scientists determine there are about 391,000 species of plants thriving around the world, making it quite a lot of life to keep up with even for the biggest botany buffs. While many of the world's plants are well known, each kind has its own unique characteristics for you to fern something new. Like what the fastest-growing plant on the planet could be? Or why is it that cats are so drawn to catnip? And how long does a century plant actually live? (Spoiler: it's a lot shorter than you might think).

There is so much to discover about the world's abundance of natural gems. So, wood you be up for the task for naming these 40 plant species in five minutes or less? Test your mental green thumb and challenge yourself to find out how much you really grow about plants!

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Can you guess the name of this straw-like species?

Flossflower

English Ivy

Bamboo

Sugarcane

As the fastest-growing plant in the world, bamboo can grow to reach nearly three feet in just 24 hours. Compared to other plants, bamboo releases more oxygen and takes in more carbon dioxide.

Enn Li Photography/Moment/Getty Images

This pretty plant is a common symbol of love. What is it?

Globeflower

Daisy

Rose

Carnation

Different colored roses have different meanings in human society. For instance, a pink rose is the symbol of joy while a white rose is the symbol of purity. In the wild, roses have five petals, so commercial roses with more petals are due to a mutation.

Adél Békefi / Moment / Getty Images

Here's a plant first cultivated in China. Do you know its name?

Almond Tree

Baneberry

Chrysanthemum

Foxglove

Chrysanthemums are tropical flowers that are native to Asia and parts of northeastern Europe. Their name comes from the Greek words "chrysos" meaning gold and "anthemon" meaning flower.

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This flower blooms for just a few weeks in spring. What's it called?

Goldenrod

Boston Ivy

Azalea

Fringed Bleeding Hearts

The azalea plant typically blooms in May or June, with the flowers' main three colors being pink, white or orange. While it may only bloom for a few weeks out of the year, an azalea plant can continue to grow for many years.

David Epperson / DigitalVision / Getty Images

What's the name of the tree shown here that can grow to tower over other plants?

Hickory

Maple

Cypress

Aspen

There are six different species of aspen, which grow in all sorts of environments (so long as it's sunny!). The average height for an aspen is 65 feet, though it can reach as tall as 98 feet.

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Look out for this festive plant around Christmas. Do you know it?

Elm tree

Pine tree

Holly

Ice plant

It is thought to be bad luck to cut down a holly tree, which is said to ward off evil spirits and witches. Holly is one of the few plants to flourish during winter, with deep green leaves and bright red berries coloring the plant.

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This certain species is known for driving felines crazy. What's it called?

Catnip

Dogwood

Honeysuckle

Kiwi vine

Catnip is native to Europe and belongs to the same family as mint. The chemical in catnip, nepetalactone, is what causes a feeling of euphoria for cats and has a similar effect to what a hallucinogenic drug does for humans.

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Do you know the name of this tart citrus plant?

Grapefruit tree

Orange tree

Kumquat tree

Lemon tree

Lemon trees are native to Asia, though today they grow all over the world. One lemon tree can produce nearly 600 pounds of lemons annually. Aside from the fruit it produces, the leaves of a lemon tree can be used to make tea.

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This plant has some amazing healing qualities. Can you guess it?

Magnolia tree

Leopard plant

Aloe Vera

Mimosa tree

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows to yield very thick leaves filled with a fleshy-like substance. Aside from just soothing sunburns, aloe vera can help reduce dental plaque, lower blood sugar, prevent wrinkles and much more.

aristotoo / E+ / Getty Images

As a common green little symbol of luck, what's this plant's name?

Milkweed

Clover

Moss

Dandelion

A four-leaf clover is a well-known symbol for luck, and during the Middle Ages it was even believed to have attracted fairies. The leaves of a four-leaf clover are said to stand for hope, faith, love and of course, luck.

Diana Haronis/Moment/Getty Images

What's this fragrant flower known as?

Tansy

Sweet alyssum

Purple lilac

Marigold

A purple lilac's fragrance is dependent on several factors (the time of day, stage of bloom and temperature it's growing in). A purple lilac smells its best when it's warm and sunny outside and the plant's florets are completely open.

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Do you know the name of this refreshing herb?

Mint

Basil

Bay leaf

Sage

There are 18 species of mint, with the three most common types being peppermint, spearmint and apple mint. Outside of fresh breath, mint offers a variety of health benefits, including headache relief and improved digestion.

AYImages / E+ / Getty Images

Hopefully you're around someone you like when near this plant. Can you guess the name?

Vinca vine

Umbrella pine

Tickseed

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is commonly known as a holiday symbol, and lovers are supposed to kiss when standing below the plant. While some animals benefit from the plant's berries and leaves, mistletoe is toxic to humans, so limit your contact to standing safely underneath!

Michael Nolan / Getty Images

Unless you're a fly, you should be safe around this plant. Do you know it?

Witch hazel

Yarrow

Eucalyptus

Pitcher plant

As one of the few species of carnivorous plants, pitcher plants get their nutrients from insects instead of from the soil they're rooted in. The largest types of pitcher plants are big enough for rats to get caught in.

Raquel Lonas/Moment/Getty Images

This plant dates back to ancient Roman times. What is it known as?

Wisteria

Lavender

Pipevine

Zebra grass

Known as a disinfectant and for its antiseptic properties, lavender was commonly used as a cleansing agent in ancient Rome during bathing rituals. While most of these plants are blue or purple in color, some can be yellow or pink.

Darrell Gulin/Digital Vision/Getty Images

With more than 3,000 varieties, it's no wonder gardens of these flowers attract visitors from all over the world. What is it?

Tiger lily

Orchid

Tulip

Poppy

The world's largest producer of tulips is the Netherlands, and the country even has an annual festival for the flower. Tulips were once the most expensive flower, with the years between 1634 to 1637 marking a period known as "Tulip Mania."

Pierre-Yves Babelon / Moment / Getty Images

These are known for their appearance around Christmas time. Do you know the name?

Oswego tree

Peony

Poinsettia

Poplar tree

The plant was first introduced to the U.S. after being brought from Mexico. The leaves of the poinsettia are commonly mistaken to be the plant's flowers, though they are actually colored bracts, or modified leaves.

Masahiro Makino / Moment / Getty Images

Shown here is the national flower of one popular Asian destination. What's it referred to as?

Almond tree

Mock orange

Cherry blossom

Pearlbush

Cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan, with one tradition being to have a picnic under these trees. Each year, the blooming of cherry blossoms celebrates the welcoming of spring.

Stefano Stefani / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Do you know what this tropical tree is called?

Mango tree

Cherimoya

Palm tree

Morning glory

More than 2,500 species of palm trees grow all over the planet. Colombia's national tree is the Quindio wax palm, which is known for growing to staggering heights of nearly 200 feet tall.

Wiki Commons by Dr.Vijayachandar

Thought to bring financial good luck, what's the name of this plant?

Silver dollar plant

Money plant

Clover

Oak tree

As a common symbol of good luck, this house plant is believed to bring financial prosperity to the individual who cares for it. The other name for the money plant is "Devil's Ivy."

Wiki Commons by Brady Smith; Coconino National Forest

This is one of several within the Agave species of plants. Can you name it?

Century plant

Parlor palm

Maidenhair fern

Easter cactus

The century plant is native to areas across the southern U.S. as well as parts of Mexico. While the name implies otherwise, the majority of century plants typically don't live beyond 30 years.

Wiki Commons by Mokkie

Leaves with such beautiful patterns deem this plant worthy of its colorful name, which is what?

Kentia palm plant

Peacock plant

Madagascar dragon tree

Chinese evergreen

The peacock plant comes from Brazil and is also known by the name "Cathedral Windows." Peacock plants are commonly grown indoors, with the plants' beauty and success inside making it a staple for any house plant owner.

Wiki Commons by User:Chrizz

You can rest easy knowing this plant won't hop away. What do you think it is?

Arrowhead

Mexican fortune tree

Bird's nest fern

Bunny ears cactus

Bunny ears cactus plants are covered in short fuzzy-looking bristles, which resemble rabbit's fur and even grow in pairs like the animal's ears. Another name for the bunny ears cactus plant is "angel's wings."

Wiki Commons by Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA

With silver-spotted leaves, it's no wonder how this plant got its name. What is it?

ZZ plant

Coral cactus

Aluminum plant

Japanese painted fern

The aluminum plant is a commonly cared-for species of house plants, with one of its appealing qualities being it's easily grown. Another name for the aluminum plant is "watermelon pilea."

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You have this plant to thank for your favorite stretchy products! The name of it is?

Eternal flame

Coralberry

Rubber tree plant

Weeping fig tree

Once mature, rubber tree plants produce a latex sap that's a milky-white color. A Billboard Top 100 song in 1961, the catchy jingle "High Hopes" by Frank Sinatra is about a rubber tree plant.

Pornpimon Lekudom / Moment / Getty Images

The bloom's color gives away the name of this plant! Do you know what it is?

Laceflower

Jolt pink dianthus

Flamingo flower plant

Sunflower

The flamingo flower plant belongs to the anthurium species. While you likely won't find this vegetation standing on one leg, the plant's heart-shaped white, pink or red flowers give it a similar color to the flamingo bird.

By Eve Livesey / Moment / Getty Images

Don't mistake this plant for candy! Can you tell what it's called?

Spanish bluebell

Lollipop plant

Pygmy date palm

Appletini coralbell

Lollipop plants typically grow to be about four feet in height, with stalks of bright yellow flowers decorating the plant. Another name for the lollipop plant is "the golden shrimp plant," as its bracts are often thought to look like shrimp.

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Native to Mediterranean regions, this plant is also known for having healing properties. What is it?

Maiden grass

Sage

Purslane

Lantana

Sage is commonly used all over the world as a spice and remedy, with the plant's healing properties being used for thousands of years. As a spice, sage adds a savory, peppery flavor when paired with food.

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It's always rise and shine for this floral creature! Can you guess what it's called?

Snowdrops

Lamb's ear

Saint John's wort

Morning glory

The morning glory gets its name from the peculiar opening of its flowers during the morning and closing them by afternoon. Morning glory flowers are popular meal choices for hummingbirds and butterflies.

Graiki / Moment / Getty Images

This tree shares a name with a soft material. Do you know what it is?

Angel wing begonia

Silk tree

Lamb's ear

Moth orchid

The flowers of a silk tree are either pink or white and look like small pom-poms. The silk tree has been nicknamed the "sleeping tree," with the plant's leaves closing during the nighttime and whenever it rains.

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Count on this plant for spreading some holiday cheer. What is it?

Christmas cactus

Urn plant

Tiger jaws

Slipper orchid

While other species of cacti may thrive in hotter temperatures, the Christmas cactus grows best in cooler environments. The Christmas cactus is native to Brazil, and it can survive for up to 30 years.

Jenny Dettrick / Moment / Getty Images

Thankfully, this plant won't bite! Think you can guess the name?

Busy Lizzie

Rattlesnake plant

Wandering Jew

Goat's horn cactus

As a native to Brazil, the rattlesnake plant thrives in warm, moist environments, such as the rainforest. A rattlesnake plant's leaves can grow to reach more than 30 inches in height.

Firdausiah Mamat / Moment / Getty Images

While it may sound sweet, don't be tricked into giving this plant a taste! What's it known as?

Jasmine

Lollipop plant

Umbrella tree

Jelly bean plant

Jelly bean plants have leaves the shape of--you guessed it--jelly beans, which stay green in the shade and turn red in full sunlight. The jelly bean plant is native to Mexico, with two of its other common names being "Pork and Beans" and "Christmas Cheer."

Ricardo Kuehn / Moment Open / Getty Images

Shown here is a plant that feeds on more than just nutrients in the soil to survive. Can you tell us what it's known as?

Pincushion peperomia

Venus flytrap

Trailing jade

Swiss cheese plant

Venus flytraps capture prey (feeding on insects), and the digestion process can take as long as 10 days. A Venus flytrap can only open and reclose itself roughly six times during its life.

Amir Mukhtar / Moment Open / Getty Images

What is this fruit-bearing tree is known as?

Apple tree

Fig tree

Cherry tree

Apricot tree

Apricot trees have been around for more than four centuries, and the apricot fruit is a relative of peaches. In the U.S., California produces nearly 95% of apricots across the country.

Kieran Stone/Moment/Getty Images

Do you have any idea what this giant plant goes by?

Juniper

Sequoia

Knotweed

Baobab

There are nine different types of baobab trees. The baobab is known for its incredibly lengthy lifespan, with some of these trees aged over 1,000 years (one in South Africa was found to be about 6,000 years old!).

DKAR Images / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images

Can you name this invasive plant species?

Huckleberry

Keek

Bamboo

Kudzu

Kudzu are native to Japan and China. Kudzu is known for its speedy growth, with the plant able to grow nearly one foot every day. It's no question how kudzu got the nickname "mile a minute vine."

simonlong / Moment Open / Getty Images

This is one sweet tree-t. Any idea what it's called?

Banana plant

Peach tree

Grapevine

Plum tree

Banana plants are actually a type of herb instead of a kind of tree. Bananas are made up of roughly 75% water, and while yellow may be the most well-known color, some grow to be other colors (such as red).

Christyam de Lima / Moment / Getty Images

Known for helping humans to stay alert, this plant even has its own special kind of cup! What's its name?

Coffee plant

Fennel

Canada root

Cacao tree

After oil, coffee is the next most valuable raw material to be bought and sold internationally (with roughly $2 billion of coffee traded annually). A coffee plant can live to be as old as 100.

somnuk krobkum / Moment / Getty Images

Be careful where you take this pungent fruit, as its odor is sure to hang around! Can you name it?

Durian

Eytelia

Jackfruit tree

Cabbage

When the fruit of this tree ripens, it falls off and is ready for consumption. Durian fruit offer many health benefits for humans (if you can get past the smell, that is!), including being a great energy source and even helping to lower bad cholesterol.

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